Kiwis receiving unexpected emails asking them to verify their RealMe account are being instructed to delete the emails and to check their account history.
The warning comes as the RealMe system is receiving a higher volume of calls and applications than usual as people try to use it to sign up for My Vaccine Pass.
"We are aware of some recent spam activity associated with our email verification process. If you receive an email code that you did not request, you can delete this," the warning on the RealMe website says.
"If you have a RealMe account, please log in to check your transaction history and update your details."
People around New Zealand have taken to social media to say they've received emails, including some who don't have an account.
"Heads up: I don’t have a RealMe account but received two emails sent in the middle of the night asking me to use the code to verify. Mine looked super official but still felt dodgy," one wrote.
RealMe is a New Zealand Government initiative to provide one source to be able to prove your identity online.
It can be used for various official purposes, like applying for financial assistance from the Ministry of Social Development, renewing your passport and logging into your Inland Revenue account.
Meanwhile, another warning on the website is highlighting the delays as people try and take advantage of their vaccine pass, with Aotearoa moving into the new traffic light system today.
"We know you’re interested in using your RealMe verified identity to sign up for your My Vaccine Pass via the Ministry of Health My Health Account," the website says.
"If you do not have a current RealMe verified identity or you need to get your My Vaccine Pass urgently, you may be able to get this by phoning 0800 222 478 or visiting a participating pharmacy," it concludes, redirecting people to the Covid19.govt.nz website for more information.
To create a RealMe account a passport, birth or citizenship certificate or immigration document is required.
